Jim Corbett National Park

A paradise for animal lovers and a beautiful reminder of the captivating creation and beauty of nature, the Jim Corbett National Park at the foothills of the Himalayas is India’s glory. The oldest in the country and renowned for its tiger richness, the park is a part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve. A most prestigious one, it was established in 1936 and named after the legendary British hunter Jim Corbett. Well-known for the conservation of tigers, Project Tiger was first launched in 1973 to protect the most endangered wildlife species. Spread over 520 sq km, the park’s landscape boasts of hills, riverine belts, grasslands, marshy depressions and a large lake. The park is also abundant with a large number of flora and fauna and other animals, even some rare species such as Otters. There are an array of activities one can indulge in such as a jeep safari, elephant safari, fishing, adventure activities, bird watching, trekking, etc. The park also allows overnight stays within the park, while one can even choose to camp in the beautiful mountain ranges. Hostels, homestays and budget hotels are also available for the visitors. With a serene environment and its idyllic setting, this nature’s paradise should be on every traveller’s ‘must visit’ list.

A paradise for animal lovers and a beautiful reminder of the captivating creation and beauty of nature, the Jim Corbett National Park at the foothills of the Himalayas is India’s glory. The oldest in the country and renowned for its tiger richness, the park is a part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve. A most prestigious one, it was established in 1936 and named after the legendary British hunter Jim Corbett. Well-known for the conservation of tigers, Project Tiger was first launched in 1973 to protect the most endangered wildlife species. Spread over 520 sq km, the park’s landscape boasts of hills, riverine belts, grasslands, marshy depressions and a large lake. The park is also abundant with a large number of flora and fauna and other animals, even some rare species such as Otters. There are an array of activities one can indulge in such as a jeep safari, elephant safari, fishing, adventure activities, bird watching, trekking, etc. The park also allows overnight stays within the park, while one can even choose to camp in the beautiful mountain ranges. Hostels, homestays and budget hotels are also available for the visitors. With a serene environment and its idyllic setting, this nature’s paradise should be on every traveller’s ‘must visit’ list.

Jeep Safari

The best way to explore the wilderness of Jim Corbett National park is a jeep safari. There are four forest zones that can be visited, of which a jeep safari in Bijrani (from 1 Oct to 30 June) is considered to be the best for game viewing. The permits are limited, and hence it’s essential to pre-book your safari. Enjoy a drive in this vast grassland with deep forest coverage and an amazing wildlife such as the Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, the Himalayan black bear, the wild boar, deer, and many more.

Open Bus Safari in Dhikala

Situated at a distance of about 49 km from Ramnagar and located deep inside the jungle, Dhikala boasts of the highest concentrations of animals in Jim Corbett. With an unhindered view of the valley, an open bus safari in Dhikala offers an amazing safari experience. Be patient, and you are likely to spot wild elephants, chital, hog deer, and an amazing variety of bird species and raptors. Open bus safari in Dhikala Zone is conducted between November 15 and June 15 with prior intimation.

Elephant Safari

The beauty of an elephant safari is that it takes you to those pockets of the National Park where no car can reach. Explore the wilderness and feel the thrill of enjoying Jim Corbett's rich flora and fauna at close quarters on an elephant back. Choose a morning or evening time slot for your elephant safari that is permitted only in Bijrani and Dhikala Tourism Zone of the National Park. Be alert and keep a watch for sloth bears, langur monkeys, jackals, wild boars, rhesus macaques, peacocks, otters, spotted deer, sambars, barking deer, and of course, the tiger.

Bird watching

While the National Park is known for tigers and a wide variety of other wild animals, the rich bio-geographic diversity is home to over 500 resident species and attracts an impressive 600 species of migratory birds. The best time for bird enthusiasts would be from mid-December to end of March. Enjoy sighting a wide variety of birds such as eagles, vultures, bee-eaters, parakeets, and many more. The area near Ramganga and Kosi Rivers are hot destinations to spot migratory birds, especially water birds from Europe and Central Asia.

Adventure Activities

For the adventurous and thrill-seekers, Jim Corbett has more to offer than jeep and elephant safaris. The Kosi River just outside the National Park area offers fun and exciting adventure activities. With the river offering Grade II and Grade III rapids, the monsoon season is the best time to enjoy river rafting. Heed the advice of your instructor and then jump off from a suspension bridge over Kosi River while indulging in bridge slithering. Hold on to the rope and skilfully cross the huge perennial river on a fun river crossing adventure.

HOTELS

“Nothing speaks like experience.”

A list of hotels we recommend, coming up soon.

RESTAURANTS

“One has not truly experienced a place,

until he has dug into a plate of their food!”

We will soon have a taste of the land and it’s food.
And of course we will serve up a list of the Restaurants you must hit while in Jim Corbett National Park.

If you have visited the city or in fact live there, do fill us in with your recommendations.